Activism
I want to get root of things. In my research, this means trying to grapple with the fundamental philosophical problems of the Web, AI, and cognitive science - and in my life outside work, this means taking responsibility for the world around me.
The world is facing dangerous times, and I think the Internet can be a valuable tool to offset those dangers. In essence, I believe in the power of ordinary people communicating each other in order to solve their problems.
As a computer professional, I support Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility. The substantive question is not " Is it possible with our technology? " but " Given the problems of our world, how should we develop our technology to solve our problems? "
I consider myself a libertarian, that is "One who supports the cause of liberty and freedom". Freedom and liberty are possible only with an understanding of dignity and respect. Support the Electronic Freedom Foundation and their efforts to keep the Internet a free space! Also, support and use the Tor and GPG projects.
I also support and use Free Software, especially the work of the Free Software Foundation and the GNU Project. In the words of its founder, Richard Stallman, " Free Software means Free as in Freedom ". Free software is financially free, of better quality, open source, and supported by communities of programmers. If in Edinburgh, be sure to visit the Free Software Hacklab and Independent Media Centre Infoseed that I help organize.
I'm involved doing tech work for Indymedia. I got involved by being one of the founders of NC Indymedia. I've also the co-founder, administrator, and tech for Scotland Indymedia. Indymedia is a global network of independent journalists, techs, and other media-makers, based on the concept of open-publishing, where anyone can publish news. It often is the first to late-breaking news, and focuses news can often not be found elsewhere.
When in Edinburgh, get your books from the bookstore WordPower and the publishers AK Press UK. Also, feel free to visit the great volunteer-run Forest Cafe and the mysterious Rosslyn Glen.
When in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro (North Carolina) be sure to get your groceries at the Durham Food Co-Op. Healthy organic food, and it's actually at a cost most people can afford. Definitely also stop by the Regulator Bookshop and Know Bookstore in Durham. In Chapel Hill, check out the bookstore Internationalist Books (whose computers I set up!) and the Skylight Exchange, an amazing local cafe. As a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, I was one of the founding members of SURGE ("Students United for a Responsible Global Environment", which is still around!), which held the Southeast's largest globalization conference back before globalization was on everyone's mind! Also, if you're looking for housing there, talk to the Weaver St. Housing Co-op. As my beloved city of Durham and the People's Republic of Carrboro, I will return.